The Most Breathable Women's Underwear, According to OB-GYNs
11 Home Remedies For Vaginal Yeast Infections
1. Greek yogurtProbiotics can be effective against Candida Albicans — and yogurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria help promote a healthy environment in your vagina, and they can help address an overgrowth caused by an imbalance.
In a 2015 study, a mixture of yogurt and honey was found to improve symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
A 2017 study suggests that eating yogurt helps expand your gut microbiome, which can help reduce yeast in your body. If you don't like yogurt, you can take a probiotic supplement or try other probiotic foods.
When it comes to using yogurt for a yeast infection, opt for plain Greek yogurt.
Warning: It's vital that the yogurt doesn't contain any added sugar, flavoring, or fruit. Added sugar can fuel the growth of the Candida fungus.
To reap the benefits, try:
Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic, and some people claim it can help clear up yeast infections resistant to other remedies.
Boric acid vaginal suppositories may be used in combination with medications to treat vaginal infections.
However, boric acid is toxic in large amounts. It can lead to:
Warning: Avoid using boric acid on broken skin, and never take it orally.
If you're pregnant, don't use boric acid in any form. You may also want to consider another remedy if you have sensitive skin.
Discontinue use if you notice any discomfort.
3. Essential oil of oreganoOil of oregano is not the same as common oregano or Origanum marjoram, which you'll usually find in your grocery store's spice section.
To ease a yeast infection, you could search for oregano oil made from wild oregano or Origanum vulgare.
A 2017 study suggests oregano essential oil may prove effective for altering the growth of Candida Albicans.
To use, mix three to five drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil. Then, apply it to your skin by massaging or inhaling it using a diffuser. Don't apply this essential oil near your vagina.
Warning: Never ingest essential oils. Essential oils are meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy or diluted with massage oil to use during massage. They're also not meant to be used internally — external use only!
4. Probiotic suppositories and supplementsProbiotics can help restore the bacteria-yeast balance throughout your body.
Taking oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria can offer a number of health benefits, including helping bring your digestive tract and vaginal flora back into alignment.
Oral supplements can take several days to a few weeks to reach full effect, so some people use probiotics as vaginal suppositories to get results more quickly.
Evidence suggests probiotic suppositories can also help treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).
5. Coconut oilCoconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties.
Research suggests coconut oil is effective against C. Albicans, making this home remedy one of the few with supportive evidence behind it.
To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You could apply the oil directly to the affected area.
6. Tea tree oilTea tree oil is an essential oil used to help:
In fact, research supports tea tree oil's antifungal properties.
Research from 2016 suggests a combination of probiotics and vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal infections.
More recent lab findings continue to support the antimicrobial activities of tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful essential oil. So, you'll always want to make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it's going to touch your skin — undiluted tea tree oil should never touch your skin. And just as a reminder, essential oils should never be used internally!
If you can, opt to purchase prepared tea tree vaginal suppositories — this is the safest option.
Warning: Only use tea tree oil occasionally, and never swallow it. If you have sensitive skin, you'll generally want to avoid using tea tree oil. Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort or irritation after using it.
7. Apple cider vinegarOne popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath.
Vinegar has many medicinal uses, some more supported by research than others.
But when you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar may help eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.
An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which was designed to flush out all bacteria (but actually eliminates good and bad) from your vagina. Douching leaves you more prone to a recurrence of the yeast infection, so avoid douching with apple cider vinegar — or any other substance.
You'll want to dilute vinegar in water before it touches your skin. In addition, you could also try adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.
8. GarlicEvidence suggests garlic may also help kill Candida, though some strains may prove more effective than others.
While more studies are needed, research from 2019 examined the effect of using a garlic solution on sores of the mouth and found it could effectively help curb the growth of Candida. That said, garlic was less effective than nystatin (Nystop), an antifungal medication.
If you want to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, it's best to simply add more garlic to your diet.
Warning: Some websites recommend inserting garlic into your vagina, but we do not recommend this approach. That's because the active compounds in garlic can cause burns and pain when applied to your skin or mucosa. Mucosa, or mucous membrane, is the type of moist tissue that lines your mouth — and yes — the walls of your vagina.
9. Hydrogen peroxideHydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that can kill bacteria and yeast. Lactobacillus bacteria in your vagina produce hydrogen peroxide as part of natural biological activity.
Some people swear by using hydrogen peroxide topically when they get a yeast infection.
Adding it to a bath or diluting it in water before applying it to your skin may help with yeast growing on the genitals. You can dilute by combining equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide.
Just keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide may not work on every species of yeast, and no strong research supports the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections.
Warning: It's recommended to avoid douching with hydrogen peroxide, never use hydrogen peroxide internally, and avoid using it for an extended period of time.
10. Vitamin CVitamin C is an immune system booster that also has a role in skin health. A strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance.
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, has antimicrobial components, so some people add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowth.
You can try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body's ability to beat the yeast infection.
Warning: Do not apply the acidic vitamin C to the sensitive vaginal tissue.
11. Vitamin ESome doctors recommend vitamin E for certain types of vaginal inflammation. In fact, lab research suggests vitamin E can help reduce inflammation caused by Candida albicans.
Evidence also suggests vitamin E suppositories may help address atrophic vaginitis (aka, vaginal atrophy), which is the thinning of the vaginal walls caused by a lack of estrogen. Atrophic vaginitis causes changes to the vagina's acidic environment, increasing the risk for bacterial and yeast infections.
You can also purchase vitamin E suppositories intended for vaginal use, or apply vitamin E oil to your vulva or vagina. Vitamin E may help soothe:
If vitamin E doesn't seem to help, a good next step involves asking a healthcare professional for more guidance.
6 Best Yeast Infection Treatments: OTC And Home Remedies, Prevention Tips, And More
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Home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) products for yeast infections are readily available. However, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of some home remedies.
Which over-the-counter treatments are most safe and effective?
"Most topical over-the-counter treatments (azols like monistat and Terazol) are equally effective and use of 1, 3 or 7 day therapy should be based on cost, availability and patient preference" Valinda Nwadike MD, MPH
We considered many prescription and OTC yeast infection treatments before choosing our favorites. All of our top picks have scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
However, do not use these as a substitute for medication. People should contact a doctor immediately if these remedies do not relieve symptoms.
Fluconazole is a generic version of the prescription pill Diflucan, which people can take to treat yeast infections.
People need to take a single pill first. If symptoms do not improve after 2 days, they can take a second pill.
Online pharmacies, such as Wisp, offer quick delivery of fluconazole. Wisp can also provide same-day or rushed prescriptions to a person's local pharmacy.
A one-time purchase costs $65, while a quarterly subscription costs $15 a month.
Read our review of Wisp.
Wisp offers subscriptions for people who regularly have yeast infections. The pharmacy accepts FSA and HSA cards as payment.
This product may be most suitable for people who regularly develop yeast infections or when creams have not worked.
Pros & consMonistat is available in several U.S. Pharmacies and retail stores, including Walmart. It provides treatment options that include 1, 3, and 7 days' worth of doses.
This product comes as internal suppositories and external creams with applicators that help people place the yeast infection treatment in the right area. Some packs include additional topical itch medications to help ease symptoms.
Each applicator contains 200 milligrams (mg) of miconazole nitrate, a medication that treats fungal infections.
This product is most suited to people who currently have a yeast infection and would like to try multiple methods to treat it. However, the 1-day dose can be too potent for some people, adding to the irritation of the vulva. In these cases, the 3- or 7-day options may be more suitable.
Read our review of Monistat.
Pros & consFemiClear's 2-day yeast infection treatment includes two suppositories a person inserts into their vagina and an external anti-itch ointment for symptom relief.
The product contains calendula, tea tree oil, olive extract, beeswax, and olive oil to combat itching and discomfort.
The company recommends using this yeast infection treatment before bed or wearing a panty liner to ensure that it does not leak.
The FDA classes this product as an unapproved homeopathic treatment. It states it has not tested it for safety or efficacy. The FDA writes that it is not aware of scientific research that supports the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
This may best suit individuals who currently have a yeast infection and prefer to use organic ingredients. However, it is unsuitable for vegans because it contains beeswax.
Read our review of FemiClear.
Pros & consThe makers of Uqora Promote say the product promotes vaginal health rather than specifically targeting yeast infections.
It contains Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. Acidophilus), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. Rhamnosus), and Lactobacillus reuteri, which the company claims can help balance vaginal bacteria.
Some research suggests Lactobacilli, such as L. Acidophilus and L. Rhamnosus, show promise in preventing vaginal infections.
The company recommends taking this supplement daily with a glass of water.
Uqora Promote may be suitable as a preventive treatment for people who regularly get yeast infections. It is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, meaning it may also suit people following certain diets.
Read our review of Uqora.
Pros & consThe Killer by Love Wellness aims to prevent yeast infections from developing and claims to keep vaginal bacteria healthy.
The capsule contains boric acid, which may be effective in treating recurrent yeast infections that have not responded to antifungal treatments.
Learn more about using boric acid to treat yeast infections.
The brand recommends inserting this vaginal suppository once a day before bed for up to 14 days, as necessary. The brand also recommends the best times to use The Killer might be after sex, after a period, or when a person is experiencing symptoms of a pH imbalance.
The FDA classes this product as an unapproved homeopathic treatment. It states it has not tested it for safety or efficacy. The FDA writes it is not aware of scientific research that supports the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
The Killer is suitable for anyone who may be prone to vaginal yeast infections. Love Wellness does not recommend a person to have sexual intercourse while using this product.
Pros & consThis CVS Health treatment comes with seven doses of disposable internal applicators and external cream.
Each applicator contains 100 mg of miconazole nitrate. The manufacturer recommends people insert an applicator before going to bed. People dispose of the applicator immediately after use.
The treatment is available both in-store and online. It may best suit individuals who would prefer a product that works while they sleep. However, a person should not use this if a doctor has not yet given them a diagnosis of a yeast infection.
Pros & consThe table below compares each of the products for price, ingredients, and more.
A yeast infection develops from an overgrowth of Candida, most commonly Candida albicans. Experts estimate around 70% of females will experience a Candida yeast infection at some point, and 8% will have recurrent infections.
The body can usually handle Candida without the fungus causing any problems. However, people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and HIV, as well as people who have obesity or take antibiotics, are more likely to experience Candida overgrowth.
When the Candida fungus penetrates the mucosal lining of the vagina, it causes inflammation. This inflammation then leads to yeast infection symptoms such as thick discharge, itchiness, and swelling.
Doctors typically recommend OTC antifungal medications to treat a vaginal yeast infection.
Treatments may come as one single dose or a daily dose over several days. A person can read the dosing instructions carefully to ensure they use the correct dosage.
Some of the products in this article are classed as homeopathic treatments. There are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved homeopathic products. This means any product sold in the United States and marketed as homeopathic is not FDA approved, and the FDA has not tested it for safety or effectiveness.
There are some home remedies a person can try for a yeast infection.
We chose five home remedies that may be effective for yeast infections. Some of the home remedies have made it into our top picks, but for those that did not, we have included easy ways to buy remedies online.
Boric acidThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests boric acid is a useful treatment for vaginal yeast infections. This is especially true for people with more severe yeast infections that are not clearing up and those with recurring infections.
Oregano oilWild oregano oil contains two antifungals: thymol and carvacrol. Although research is inconclusive, a 2021 study tested various essential oils to treat yeast infections. Researchers conclude that oregano oil, specifically Origanum onites, was the most effective in inhibiting these types of infections.
However, people should not ingest essential oils. They should also mix them with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying them to the skin to prevent irritation. Additionally, individuals should not put fresh oregano inside the vagina.
ProbioticsSome probiotic supplements may be beneficial for vaginal health. Probiotics play a key role in maintaining the correct vaginal environment and improving the immune defense.
According to 2018 research, probiotics have a variety of health benefits, including reducing symptoms relating to vaginal yeast infections.
Coconut oilCoconut oil is antifungal, making it a possible treatment for yeast infections.
Older research found coconut oil is effective against Candida albicans, with study authors claiming it is comparable to ketoconazole, an OTC medication. However, limited research confirms coconut oil is safe and effective for yeast infections.
People should only use pure, organic coconut oil on their skin and speak with a doctor if it does not work or causes a reaction.
Apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar may have antimicrobial properties. It is a popular home remedy for yeast infections.
2017 research recognized the popularity of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy but warned that scientific studies are lacking. Researchers wrote that it is most effective at 25% concentration but did not work as well against Candida yeasts as other strains.
A 2018 study found that apple cider vinegar may help reduce Candida populations but is only effective in undiluted solutions, which is unsuitable for the skin.
A person should contact a doctor if they suspect a yeast infection, as symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. A doctor can properly diagnose and treat the issue.
A person can seek further medical advice if a yeast infection does not clear up with treatment. They may need to adjust their medications to treat any itching and discomfort.
Recurring yeast infectionsAccording to the U.S. Office on Women's Health, yeast infections are usually mild. They cause symptoms such as itchiness, pain, and unusual discharge. Most females develop a yeast infection at some point in their life.
The Office on Women's Health also states that some people develop recurring yeast infections.
Risk factors for recurring yeast infections, or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), include having diabetes or a compromised immune system.
However, individuals can develop recurring yeast infections even if they do not have any risk factors.
If a person experiences RVVC, a doctor will likely recommend or prescribe antifungal medications for up to 6 months to help keep the fungus under control.
While there is no definite way to prevent yeast infections, there are several steps people can take to reduce their risk.
Clothing and period productsPeople can opt to wear loose-fitting cotton underwear whenever possible. Cotton is a breathable fabric. It may help prevent the moist environment Candida needs to overgrow.
After swimming or getting clothes wet, such as after a workout, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Other ways to help prevent yeast infections are avoiding using panty liners daily and regularly changing tampons and pads.
Personal hygienePeople can avoid vaginal douches and irritating soaps. Many people find that not using scented products around the vagina, such as perfumed soaps or mists, can help reduce yeast infections.
It is important to keep the outer genital area dry and clean. People should always wipe from the front to the back after using the toilet to avoid spreading fecal matter and bacteria into the vagina.
Medication and lifestylePeople can aim to maintain a stable blood sugar level, especially if they have diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to have yeast infections.
It is also important to only use antibiotics when a doctor prescribes them, and to use them exactly as directed.
Which OTC yeast infection treatment is best?OTC treatment that includes boric acid or miconazole are all effective treatments for yeast infection symptoms.
OTC treatment that includes boric acid or miconazole are all effective treatments for yeast infection symptoms.
What is the 3-day OTC yeast infection treatment?There are several 3-day OTC yeast infection treatments that include miconazole, an ingredient that can help reduce yeast infection symptoms quickly.
There are several 3-day OTC yeast infection treatments that include miconazole, an ingredient that can help reduce yeast infection symptoms quickly.
Is Monistat 1 or Monistat 3 better?According to Monistat, all of its miconazole yeast infection treatments are just as effective as each other, regardless of whether a person buys the 1-, 3-, or 7-day treatment.
According to Monistat, all of its miconazole yeast infection treatments are just as effective as each other, regardless of whether a person buys the 1-, 3-, or 7-day treatment.
Is there a one-day OTC treatment for yeast infections?Yes, several companies offer a one-day OTC treatment for yeast infections, such as Monistat.
Yes, several companies offer a one-day OTC treatment for yeast infections, such as Monistat.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?The fastest way to eliminate a yeast infection is to use an antifungal medication on the skin or inside the vagina. People can also get oral pill treatments for yeast infections.
The fastest way to eliminate a yeast infection is to use an antifungal medication on the skin or inside the vagina. People can also get oral pill treatments for yeast infections.
Can I treat myself for a yeast infection?Treating a yeast infection at home may be possible, but home remedies may not be as effective or well-researched as prescription or OTC medication. Yeast infections may also be more likely to come back with home remedies.
Some home remedies include oregano oil and probiotics.
Treating a yeast infection at home may be possible, but home remedies may not be as effective or well-researched as prescription or OTC medication. Yeast infections may also be more likely to come back with home remedies.
Some home remedies include oregano oil and probiotics.
Can a yeast infection go away on its own?A mild yeast infection may go away by itself. However, this is unlikely.
People can only effectively treat fungus overgrowth with prescription antifungals or certain OTC treatments, such as suppositories containing boric acid.
A mild yeast infection may go away by itself. However, this is unlikely.
People can only effectively treat fungus overgrowth with prescription antifungals or certain OTC treatments, such as suppositories containing boric acid.
Yeast infections are often mild. A person can typically treat them using OTC medications. Medications come in different forms and doses, so it is important to follow the instructions on the package.
A person should not self-diagnose a yeast infection. Many symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.
Once a doctor diagnoses the infection and a person treats it, they should notice symptom improvement.
How To Treat Recurring Menopausal Yeast Infections
The most common cause for vaginal yeast infections is inflammation of the vulva or vagina from Candida, which is a yeast.Women around the time of menopause can experience an increase in vaginal yeast infections. Because the drop in estrogen, that is what menopause is, can cause a thinning of the vaginal tissue and a loss of elasticity which provides almost a perfect environment for yeast to overgrow.
We define recurrent vaginal yeast infections as four or more yeast infections in a calendar year. People who have yeast infections, and certainly with recurrent yeast infections, are often very frustrated. It can interfere with their quality of life, with their sexual function. So we treat vaginal yeast infections typically with either a single dose of an oral anti-Candida medication or with over-the-counter topical medications that do not require a prescription.
Most people prefer the single dose prescription medication that is an antifungal against candida to treat vaginal yeast infections. But the over-the-counter topicals are no less effective, they're just a little messy and cumbersome.
Some of the behavioral modifications that may improve the likelihood of getting a vaginal yeast infection are avoiding tight fitting clothing, avoiding wearing pantyliners, getting out of wet clothing as soon as possible, and taking a probiotic, particularly if you're on antibiotics for some other reason, and avoiding high sugar foods and drinks.
I think in some women, topical estrogen can help reduce the chance of vaginal yeast infections. I tell my patients it's important to see a specialist, particularly a gynecologist, if they have recurrent vaginal yeast infections or if they have complicated yeast infections. Such that they are having severe pains, severe symptoms, skin irritation, and/or if they have some other immune compromised situation that would warrant a shift in their treatment.
Sometimes we self treat with over the counter medications, but we're actually treating the wrong thing. So it may not be that you have a recurrent candida infection, you may have something else altogether. So it's important to check in with your medical provider when you have questions or are unsure.
I just want to relay to my patients when I see them for these things that treating vaginitis is possible. We just need to troubleshoot it. And that with treatment, they can feel more comfortable, being less pain, have less discomfort, and that their self-image and even their sexual function can improve. ","publisher":"WebMD Video"} ]]>
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LUCY MCBRIDE
The most common cause for vaginal yeast infections is inflammation of the vulva or vagina from Candida, which is a yeast.Women around the time of menopause can experience an increase in vaginal yeast infections. Because the drop in estrogen, that is what menopause is, can cause a thinning of the vaginal tissue and a loss of elasticity which provides almost a perfect environment for yeast to overgrow.
We define recurrent vaginal yeast infections as four or more yeast infections in a calendar year. People who have yeast infections, and certainly with recurrent yeast infections, are often very frustrated. It can interfere with their quality of life, with their sexual function. So we treat vaginal yeast infections typically with either a single dose of an oral anti-Candida medication or with over-the-counter topical medications that do not require a prescription.
Most people prefer the single dose prescription medication that is an antifungal against candida to treat vaginal yeast infections. But the over-the-counter topicals are no less effective, they're just a little messy and cumbersome.
Some of the behavioral modifications that may improve the likelihood of getting a vaginal yeast infection are avoiding tight fitting clothing, avoiding wearing pantyliners, getting out of wet clothing as soon as possible, and taking a probiotic, particularly if you're on antibiotics for some other reason, and avoiding high sugar foods and drinks.
I think in some women, topical estrogen can help reduce the chance of vaginal yeast infections. I tell my patients it's important to see a specialist, particularly a gynecologist, if they have recurrent vaginal yeast infections or if they have complicated yeast infections. Such that they are having severe pains, severe symptoms, skin irritation, and/or if they have some other immune compromised situation that would warrant a shift in their treatment.
Sometimes we self treat with over the counter medications, but we're actually treating the wrong thing. So it may not be that you have a recurrent candida infection, you may have something else altogether. So it's important to check in with your medical provider when you have questions or are unsure.
I just want to relay to my patients when I see them for these things that treating vaginitis is possible. We just need to troubleshoot it. And that with treatment, they can feel more comfortable, being less pain, have less discomfort, and that their self-image and even their sexual function can improve.
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